How do antibiotics increase the risk of yeast infections. What other medications can lead to candidiasis. Are there ways to prevent medication-induced yeast overgrowth. How to recognize and treat a yeast infection caused by antibiotics.

The Link Between Antibiotics and Yeast Infections

Antibiotics are a common culprit behind yeast infections in women. While these medications are highly effective at treating bacterial infections, they can inadvertently disrupt the delicate balance of microorganisms in the body, including the vagina. This disruption can create an environment conducive to yeast overgrowth.

Dr. Saul Weinreb, a gynecologist at Franklin Square Hospital in Baltimore, explains: “Every type of antibiotic can cause vaginal yeast infection because antibiotics reduce your body’s natural bacterial flora, which has antifungal properties, giving more space for fungi like candida to grow.”

How Antibiotics Contribute to Yeast Overgrowth

• Eliminate beneficial bacteria that keep yeast in check
• Create an imbalance in vaginal pH
• Weaken the immune system’s ability to control fungal growth

Is it possible to prevent antibiotic-induced yeast infections? While it’s not always avoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

1. Take probiotics during and after antibiotic treatment
2. Maintain good hygiene practices
3. Avoid douching or using scented feminine products
4. Wear breathable, cotton underwear
5. Consider discussing antifungal prophylaxis with your healthcare provider

Recognizing Yeast Infection Symptoms

Identifying a yeast infection promptly is crucial for effective treatment. Dr. Herbert L. DuPont, chief of Internal Medicine/Infectious Disease Department at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital in Houston, outlines key symptoms to watch for:

• Vaginal itching lasting longer than 24 hours
• A distinct vaginal odor
• White to yellow lumpy discharge resembling cottage cheese

Should you experience these symptoms while taking antibiotics or shortly after completing a course, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider. They can confirm the diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Other Medications That May Increase Yeast Infection Risk

While antibiotics are a primary culprit, several other medications can also contribute to an increased risk of yeast infections. Understanding these potential triggers can help you be more vigilant and proactive in preventing yeast overgrowth.

Oral Contraceptives

Birth control pills, particularly older formulations with higher estrogen levels, have been associated with an increased susceptibility to vaginal yeast infections. Dr. Brenna Anderson, director of reproductive infectious diseases consultation at Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, notes: “The older oral contraceptives with higher doses of estrogen that altered hormone levels were associated with an increased risk of yeast infections.”

How do oral contraceptives contribute to yeast overgrowth? The elevated estrogen levels can:

• Increase glycogen production in vaginal tissues
• Provide more “food” for yeast to thrive
• Alter the vaginal pH, making it more favorable for yeast growth

Steroids

Corticosteroids, commonly used to treat various inflammatory conditions, can also increase the risk of yeast infections. These medications work by suppressing the immune system, which can inadvertently create an opportunity for yeast to proliferate unchecked.

Dr. Anderson explains: “In order to effectively control certain diseases, steroids dampen the body’s natural immune defenses. This can make a woman’s vagina a breeding ground for yeast.”

Chemotherapy

Cancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy, can significantly weaken the immune system. This immunosuppression makes it challenging for the body to maintain its natural balance of microorganisms, potentially leading to yeast overgrowth.

Preventing Medication-Induced Yeast Infections

While it’s not always possible to avoid medication-induced yeast infections entirely, there are several strategies you can employ to minimize your risk:

1. Communicate with your healthcare provider about your medical history and any previous yeast infections
2. Discuss alternative medication options if you’re prone to yeast infections
3. Consider prophylactic antifungal treatment when taking high-risk medications
4. Maintain a healthy diet rich in probiotics
5. Practice good hygiene and wear breathable clothing
6. Stay hydrated and avoid excessive sugar intake

Treatment Options for Medication-Induced Yeast Infections

If you develop a yeast infection while taking medication, it’s essential to address it promptly. Treatment options may include:

• Over-the-counter antifungal creams or suppositories
• Prescription oral antifungal medications
• Probiotic supplements to restore vaginal flora balance

Can you continue taking the medication that caused the yeast infection? Dr. Weinreb advises: “Don’t stop taking the antibiotic without first consulting your doctor. But don’t wait too long and let your symptoms get out of hand.”

The Importance of Open Communication with Your Healthcare Provider

Maintaining an open dialogue with your healthcare provider is crucial when it comes to managing medication-induced yeast infections. Dr. Anderson emphasizes: “Talking with your doctor will help you both develop the best treatment plan for you.”

What questions should you ask your doctor about medication-related yeast infection risk? Consider the following:

• Does this medication increase my risk of developing a yeast infection?
• Are there alternative medications with a lower risk of causing yeast infections?
• Should I take preventive measures while on this medication?
• What signs should I watch for, and when should I seek treatment?
• Can you recommend strategies to maintain vaginal health while taking this medication?

Long-Term Considerations for Recurrent Yeast Infections

For some individuals, medication-induced yeast infections may become a recurring issue. In these cases, it’s essential to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a long-term management strategy.

Potential Approaches for Managing Recurrent Yeast Infections

• Extended courses of antifungal medications
• Regular probiotic supplementation
• Dietary modifications to support vaginal health
• Exploration of alternative medications or treatment plans
• Regular check-ups to monitor vaginal health

Is it possible to become resistant to antifungal treatments? While rare, antifungal resistance can occur, particularly in cases of frequent or prolonged use. This underscores the importance of working closely with your healthcare provider to find the most effective long-term solution for your individual needs.

The Role of Probiotics in Preventing Medication-Induced Yeast Infections

Probiotics have gained significant attention for their potential role in preventing and managing yeast infections, especially those associated with medication use. These beneficial microorganisms can help maintain a healthy balance of vaginal flora, potentially reducing the risk of yeast overgrowth.

How Probiotics May Help

• Restore beneficial bacteria depleted by antibiotics
• Compete with yeast for resources, limiting overgrowth
• Produce substances that inhibit yeast proliferation
• Support the immune system’s ability to control fungal growth

Which probiotic strains are most effective for preventing yeast infections? While research is ongoing, some strains that have shown promise include:

• Lactobacillus acidophilus
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus
• Lactobacillus reuteri
• Bifidobacterium longum

It’s important to note that not all probiotics are created equal, and their effectiveness can vary. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate probiotic supplement for your specific needs.

Lifestyle Factors That May Influence Medication-Induced Yeast Infections

While medications play a significant role in the development of yeast infections, various lifestyle factors can also influence your susceptibility. By addressing these factors, you may be able to reduce your risk of experiencing medication-induced yeast overgrowth.

Factors That May Increase Yeast Infection Risk

• High-sugar diet
• Tight-fitting, non-breathable clothing
• Excessive use of feminine hygiene products
• Prolonged exposure to moisture (e.g., wet swimsuits)
• Stress and lack of sleep
• Hormonal fluctuations

How can you modify your lifestyle to support vaginal health while taking medications? Consider implementing the following strategies:

1. Maintain a balanced diet low in refined sugars
2. Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting pants
3. Change out of wet or sweaty clothes promptly
4. Practice stress-reduction techniques
5. Get adequate sleep to support immune function
6. Stay hydrated to promote overall health

By combining these lifestyle modifications with open communication with your healthcare provider and appropriate medication management, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing medication-induced yeast infections and maintain optimal vaginal health.

The Impact of Yeast Infections on Quality of Life

While yeast infections are generally not considered serious medical conditions, they can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. The discomfort, inconvenience, and potential embarrassment associated with these infections can affect various aspects of daily living.

Common Ways Yeast Infections May Affect Daily Life

• Discomfort during physical activities
• Interference with sexual intimacy
• Disruption of sleep due to itching and irritation
• Emotional stress and anxiety
• Reduced confidence in social situations

How can you minimize the impact of yeast infections on your daily life? Consider these strategies:

1. Seek prompt treatment at the first sign of symptoms
2. Communicate openly with your partner about your condition
3. Use appropriate over-the-counter remedies for symptom relief
4. Practice good hygiene without over-cleansing
5. Wear comfortable, breathable clothing
6. Consider joining a support group or seeking counseling if recurrent infections are causing significant distress

By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of yeast infections, you can better manage their impact on your overall well-being and maintain a higher quality of life, even when dealing with medication-induced infections.

Future Directions in Preventing Medication-Induced Yeast Infections

As our understanding of the complex relationship between medications, the human microbiome, and fungal infections continues to evolve, researchers are exploring innovative approaches to prevent and manage medication-induced yeast infections.

Promising Areas of Research

• Development of “smart” antibiotics that selectively target harmful bacteria while preserving beneficial flora
• Advanced probiotic formulations tailored to specific medication regimens
• Novel antifungal compounds with reduced risk of resistance
• Personalized medicine approaches based on individual microbiome profiles
• Improved delivery methods for localized vaginal treatments

What potential breakthroughs might we see in the coming years? While it’s difficult to predict with certainty, some exciting possibilities include:

1. Microbiome-based screening tools to identify individuals at high risk for medication-induced yeast infections
2. Genetically engineered probiotics designed to outcompete pathogenic fungi
3. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for targeted antifungal treatment
4. Artificial intelligence algorithms to optimize medication regimens and minimize yeast infection risk
5. Development of vaccines against common fungal pathogens

As research in this field progresses, it’s likely that we’ll see more personalized and effective strategies for preventing and managing medication-induced yeast infections, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals undergoing various medical treatments.

Are Your Medications Causing Yeast Infections?

Some medications may increase your risk of developing a yeast infection.

By Gina Roberts-Grey Medically Reviewed by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD

Reviewed: April 5, 2011

Medically Reviewed

Many medications have possible side effects that can be unpleasant and uncomfortable. For certain medications, a common side effect in women is a yeast infection. If you experience vaginal itching that lasts longer than 24 hours, a vaginal odor, or a white to yellow lumpy discharge that resembles cottage cheese, you may have a yeast infection, says Herbert L. DuPont, MD, chief of Internal Medicine/Infectious Disease Department at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital in Houston.

Doctors say knowing whether a yeast infection is a possible side effect of your medications can help cut your chances of developing a vaginal infection.

Oral Contraceptives

Birth control pills may lead to women developing yeast infections because they increase estrogen levels in a woman’s body. “Those increased estrogen levels can increase a woman’s susceptibility to vaginal yeast,” says Saul Weinreb, MD, a gynecologist at Franklin Square Hospital in Baltimore. And some women are more susceptible to that excess yeast growth.

However, newer forms of birth control are less likely to cause a yeast infection. “The older oral contraceptives with higher doses of estrogen that altered hormone levels were associated with an increased risk of yeast infections,” says Brenna Anderson, MD, director of reproductive infectious diseases consultation at Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island and assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Brown University.

If you develop yeast infection symptoms, Anderson suggests calling your gynecologist or primary care physician. “In addition to treating the yeast infection, your doctor may be able to switch you to another type of oral contraception that won’t lead to any further yeast infections,” she says. “But don’t discontinue use without speaking to your doctor. ” It’s important to continue taking your birth control pills even if you develop a yeast infection.

Antibiotics

Prescription antibiotics are very effective at treating a sinus infection, strep throat, or other bacterial infection. But in their quest to rid your body of the bacteria that’s causing an infection, antibiotics may kill healthy bacteria and allow yeast to grow. Antibiotics are notorious for causing yeast infections, says Dr. Weinreb.

“Every type of antibiotic can cause vaginal yeast infection because antibiotics reduce your body’s natural bacterial flora, which has antifungal properties, giving more space for fungi like candida to grow,” says Weinreb.

If you suspect your antibiotic has caused a yeast infection, contact your doctor. “Don’t stop taking the antibiotic without first consulting your doctor,” Weinreb says. But don’t wait too long and let your symptoms get out of hand. If you’ve had a yeast infection from a specific antibiotic in the past, tell your doctor prior to taking the drug. “Your doctor may be able to prescribe an equally effective alternative,” says Weinreb.

Steroids

Steroids also increase the odds that a woman will develop a yeast infection. “In order to effectively control certain diseases, steroids dampen the body’s natural immune defenses,” Anderson says. Steroids suppress the immune system so much that a woman’s vagina may become a breeding ground for yeast.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy weakens the immune system, which makes it harder for a woman’s body to control yeast growth.

Talking to Your Doctor About Yeast Infection Risk

Before starting any treatment, you should discuss your options and medication side effects with your doctor. You can ask how your body may react to these drugs, and if you should be concerned about a possible yeast infection.

Some questions you should ask are:

• If I experience a yeast infection as a side effect, does that mean I’m allergic to the drug?
• Am I likely to develop another yeast infection if I ever take this medicine again?
• Will having a yeast infection that’s caused by a prescription make me more susceptible to developing additional yeast infections?

“Talking with your doctor will help you both develop the best treatment plan for you,” says Anderson. And knowing your yeast infection risks can help you be prepared and stay healthy.

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Why Do Antibiotics Cause Yeast Infections?

If you have ever suffered any sort of infection such as a common cold, strep throat, or the flu at any point in your life, chances are your doctor prescribed you some type of antibiotic (whose name you cannot pronounce) as a first line of defense.

While antibiotics are vital in killing bacteria and fighting infection,  they can also inflict collateral damage on beneficial bacteria that live within your body.  This may cause a disruption of the body’s delicate pH balance and lead to a yeast infection.

It is estimated that a vaginal yeast infection will affect 3 out of 4 women at least once in their lifetime, making it the second most common type of infection in the United States after bacterial infection. Though these figures may sound alarming, the good news is that it’s not typically a serious condition and can be effectively treated or prevented with medication and simple lifestyle changes. Read on to learn more about why antibiotics cause yeast infections and what you can do to treat a yeast infection if you develop one. 

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What is a yeast infection?

Yeast, also known as candida, comes in many forms and can be found in different parts of the body, including the skin, gut, mouth, and vagina. It is usually benign thanks to being kept in check by ‘good bacteria’.  Good bacteria is part of the normal flora of the body, which serves to maintain a slightly acidic environment. When the balance of  beneficial microorganisms is disturbed, yeast can thrive and lead to an infection. 

Why do yeast infections happen?

Think of the good bacteria as little warriors that protect the body’s internal environment by making sure that all other organisms are kept in line. Now think of antibiotics as a bomb that explodes and throws off your body’s natural flora; while it may kill the bad bacteria causing the original infection, it also wipes out beneficial flora, giving the candida free rein to multiply and cause an infection.  

It is important to note that not everyone who takes antibiotics will develop a yeast infection; however, the longer you take them, the more susceptible you become. Furthermore, if you are already prone to recurring yeast infections, your risk of developing one while taking antibiotics is higher.  

Other factors that increase your susceptibility to a yeast infection include:

• Hormonal changes resulting from ovulation, menopause, pregnancy, birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy
• Underwear that is too tight or made from non-breathable fabric
• Douching or using perfumed soaps
• Underlying health issues such as diabetes, HIV, or cancer
• Steroid use

It is estimated that around 8% of females will experience frequent candida infections, with 5% experiencing them four or more times per year, particularly during their reproductive years. 

What are the symptoms of a yeast infection?

If you are not familiar with the symptoms of a yeast infection, consider yourself lucky as they can be quite uncomfortable. While every woman will experience them in varying degrees, the most common symptoms include:

• An intense itching sensation in and around the vagina
• A burning sensation around the vaginal area
• An increase in vaginal discharge that may appear white, lumpy and odorless (often compared to a cottage cheese-like consistency)
• Pain or discomfort whilst urinating
• Painful intercourse

Because the above indicators can be related to several issues, it can become difficult for many women to establish whether they are actually suffering from a yeast infection. Often, the same symptoms may be indicative of other ailments such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), bacterial vaginosis, or something else. If you find that treatment for a yeast infection is not working, it is best to see your doctor to determine if another ailment may be causing your symptoms.

What type of antibiotics can cause a yeast infection?

Not all antibiotics will necessarily trigger a yeast infection; in fact, it is mainly broad-spectrum ones that will likely cause this effect.  Broad-spectrum antibiotics are designed to act against a wide range of disease-causing bacteria, rather than a narrow spectrum.

The most common types of antibiotics include: 

• Tetracyclines – these are mainly prescribed for acne, UTIs, infections of the gut and eyes, sexually-transmitted diseases, and gum disease. 
• Quinolones – these are predominantly used to treat more stubborn UTIs, pneumonia, and bacterial prostatitis. 
• Broad-spectrum Penicillins – such as amoxicillin or ampicillin, used to treat respiratory ailments or infections of the sinuses, ear, mouth, skin, or gums.  
• Carbapenems – these drugs are usually reserved for treating severe or high-risk bacterial infections that show resistance to other antibiotics and are only avialable in ontevenous form.

How can I treat a yeast infection?

You’ll be glad to know that treating a yeast infection is pretty straightforward, but to make sure you get the right treatment, it is important that you speak with your doctor first to confirm the diagnosis. 

Once the cause of the infection has been confirmed, there are a number of treatment options available:

Your doctor may prescribe an oral anti-fungal pill called fluconazole (Diflucan) which can effectively treat a yeast infection, or act to prevent one when you need to take antiobiotics.

You can also use over-the-counter medications such as antifungal creams or suppositories that are either applied or inserted inside the vagina.

Home remedies have also proven popular in effectively treating a yeast infection including:

• Natural, unsweetened, and non-flavored yogurt, due to its high content of beneficial bacteria – known as probiotics – can help to restore the healthy balance of bacteria and yeast in the body.
• Probiotic supplements are clinically-proven to relieve symptoms and may prevent or treat infection when taken long term. 
• Tea tree oil is well-known for its antifungal properties and has been shown to effectively treat vaginal fungal infections. However, the product should be used with caution as it can cause irritation, especially around sensitive vaginal walls. 
• Raw, organic coconut oil is another antifungal remedy that can be applied to the vagina either internally or externally to ease the symptoms. It is often recommended to mix coconut oil with a more potent essential oil such as tea tree to realize the combined benefits.  

It is important to note that many of the above treatments are not suitable if you are pregnant, diabetic, have a weakened immune system, or experience recurrent yeast infections (four or more a year), as it can cause further complications; therefore, you must always consult your doctor first. 

 

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Antibiotics increase the risk of developing a viral infection, scientists say

https://ria.ru/20180327/1517402497.html

Antibiotics increase the risk of developing a viral infection, scientists say

Antibiotics increase the risk of developing a viral infection, scientists say – RIA Novosti , 03/27/2018

Antibiotics increase risk of viral infection, scientists say

. Long-term use of antibiotics at the wrong time can contribute to the development of viral infections and their complications, biologists say in an article published … RIA Novosti, 03/27/2018

2018-03-27T19:14

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discoveries – RIA Nauka, USA

Discoveries – RIA Nauka, Nauka, USA

MOSCOW, March 27 – RIA Novosti 9015 2. Long-term use of antibiotics at the wrong time can contribute to the development of viral infections and their complications, biologists say in an article published in the journal Cell Reports.

Scientists have named the place where the most dangerous superbugs will appear

February 5, 2018, 15:29

“The immune system of humans and other mammals works completely differently if there is no healthy microflora in their intestines. If someone has contracted a bacterial infection, then, of course, they should take antibiotics. But you need to understand that they have important side effects, including how the body fights viruses,” said Michael Diamond from Washington University in St. Louis (USA).

All educated people and doctors are well aware that it is useless to take antibiotics in the development of viral infections. Viruses use proteins and other components of human cells for reproduction and spread, and therefore antibiotics will not act on them without causing the death of the person himself.

However, people sometimes take antibiotics themselves during such illnesses, or they are prescribed by doctors in order to avoid complications and secondary infections of a bacterial nature. Diamond and his colleagues found that this approach was flawed and even dangerous to human health by observing mice they infected with West Nile virus.

According to biologists, they were interested in why some people easily endure this disease, while others are much more affected. They suggested that the reason for this may lie in the fact that the species composition and state of the intestinal microflora in victims of the virus can vary greatly.

Scientists from the Russian Academy of Sciences spoke about the dangers of an antibiotic from a banned soap two weeks. After that, the biologists infected them with the virus and compared how the infection developed.

As it turned out, this method only aggravated the course of the infection – 80% of mice with a cleansed intestine died from an acute form of West Nile fever, while only a small part of the control group, about 20% of individuals, lost their lives.

Scientists: the microflora of Russians turned out to be a hidden accomplice of “superbugs”

July 25, 2017, 14:28

Faced with similar experimental results, scientists checked how their result would change when the type and concentration of antibiotics changed. As it turned out, key “antibiotics of last resort” such as ampicillin and vancomycin themselves increased the likelihood of death of rodents from the virus, while other substances, such as metronidazole, increased their effect.

Why is this happening? As biologists suggest, the destruction of microflora leads to a weakening of the immune system and a decrease in the number of special bodies, T-cells, which are responsible for recognizing new infections and producing antibodies that suppress viruses. This, according to Diamond, suggests that antibiotics weaken the immune system when fighting not only the West Nile virus, but also most other infections.

rules to know when treating – IMD Medical Laboratory

The discovery of the antibiotic is called the outstanding discovery of this millennium. However, scientists predict that the time will come very soon when antibiotics will not be effective, and humanity will again be engulfed in epidemics. The reason for this is the uncontrolled use of antibiotics in food production and improper treatment. Do not prescribe medicines for yourself – consult a doctor and use the results of laboratory tests in the treatment!

Rule 1. If you get sick, you should go to the doctor.

Why? Because self-medication is usually aimed at eliminating the symptoms, not the cause of the disease. With the usual ARVI (ARI), this often works. However, if on the third day you do not feel improvement or feel worse – see rule 1. The doctor should diagnose the disease and prescribe treatment!

Rule 2. The appointment of treatment directly depends on what provoked an infectious disease: bacteria, viruses, fungi .

The danger of a bacterial infection lies in the release of toxins (poisons) by bacteria, which cause inflammation, intoxicate the body and damage internal organs.

It is only possible to accurately determine the causative agent of the disease with the help of laboratory analysis.

Important: Do not prescribe antibiotics to yourself! This will only lead to the fact that some of the pathogens will develop resistance, and the next time it will be much more difficult to cure the disease.

Rule 3: All antibiotics should be taken ONLY as prescribed by a doctor!

The rule of thumb is to use antibiotics only when they cannot be dispensed with. Only a doctor can recognize the symptoms, read the results of the studies correctly, calculate the dose of the drug depending on age, health status, taking into account the factors of toxicity!

Do not self-medicate!

Axioms about antibiotics and their explanations

DO NOT prescribe antibiotics for viral diseases!
Antibiotics only inhibit the growth of bacteria. Viruses are not bacteria, so antibiotics do not work on them.

It is POSSIBLE to prescribe an antibiotic for prevention only in cases of especially dangerous diseases: plague, whooping cough, meningitis.
For prophylactic purposes, antibiotics can be taken when there is a risk of contracting especially dangerous infections, such as plague, meningitis, anthrax, etc. In other cases, you can’t.

DO NOT take antibiotics to avoid complications in viral diseases!
Antibiotic inhibits the growth of certain bacteria. Viruses are not bacteria. Therefore, the antibiotic begins to affect human cells, which depresses the immune system. This allows the “bad” bacteria to multiply. This means that the antibiotic does not reduce the likelihood of complications after acute respiratory infections, but, on the contrary, “prevents” the body from fighting a viral infection.

If no improvement is observed within 72 hours after starting the antibiotic, then the pathogen is resistant to this antibiotic and should be replaced.
Uncontrolled use of antibiotics for treatment, constant use of antibiotics in the production of meat, and the latter have no effect on them. The more often you take antibiotics “for prophylaxis”, the more likely it is that they will not work when you are sick.

According to WHO forecasts, in 10-20 years almost all existing microorganisms can become resistant to antibiotics.

More than half of the antibiotics produced in the world are used in animal husbandry, where a large number of bacteria resistant to antibiotics are emerging. These bacteria get into water, soil, meat and, as a result, into the human body. Antibiotic resistance (when bacteria do not respond to antibiotics) is increasing every year. If the situation does not change, then very soon we may return to a time when a common bacterial infection will kill, causing pandemics.

Prescribing the “correct” antibiotic is possible only after microbiological analysis.

Some antibiotics only kill certain microorganisms. Prescribing an antibiotic without research leads to the fact that, on the one hand, it may not work at all or work partially, killing only 1 microorganism from several. Often a situation arises when a pathogenic microorganism, instead of being “suppressed” by an antibiotic, on the contrary, gets used to it, producing “resistance”.

Microbiological examination allows you to accurately identify the list of all pathogenic microorganisms that caused the disease and individually determine the antibiotics that will be effective in each specific treatment. That is why a microbiological study must be done before each antibiotic intake!

Rule 4. The main method for diagnosing bacterial infections is microbiological examination (bacteria).

There are over 400 types of pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms in the world that can cause disease, and about 70 antibiotic active ingredients that can inhibit their growth. Each antibiotic acts only on certain microorganisms.

Important: there is no antibiotic that would inhibit the growth of all microorganisms at once!

Doctors have treatment protocols and unfortunately there are 2 big problems.
1. It is not always possible to determine the type of causative agent of the disease by the symptoms, and therefore – to choose the right antibiotic.
2. The problem of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, or resistance to antibiotics. Even if the “correct” antibiotic was chosen according to the treatment protocol, this is not a guarantee that it will work. After all, the uncontrolled use of antibiotics in the world has led to the emergence of a large number of bacteria that are resistant to certain antibiotics.

The ideal diagnostic tool in the treatment of bacterial infections is a laboratory microbiological study. And if, as a rule, it is not prescribed for a common disease, then in case of complications or severe cases, when there is a danger to human life, it is simply irreplaceable.

Microbiological examination (bacterization) is an analysis, the purpose of which is to identify and identify the type of pathogenic microorganism and to perform tests to determine the sensitivity of the active substance of natibiotics to this pathogenic microorganism.

In other words, this analysis allows the doctor to see which microorganism has caused the infection, and prescribe an antibiotic that can kill that particular microorganism.

Unfortunately, a person can have several pathogens at once. Then, for treatment, it is necessary to choose the antibiotic that will act on all the isolated microorganisms, or to combine the intake of several antibiotics at once. The doctor can obtain such information only from a microbiological study. After receiving the result of the study on antibiotic sensitivity, if necessary, the treatment is corrected – changing the antibiotic (s) to a more effective one.

The main thing: for each patient – an individual approach to treatment!

Real life example (summer 2016): the patient had pneumonia. Bacteriological culture was performed before antibiotic administration. No effect was observed from the prescribed antibiotic. On the 3rd day, an analysis was ready, which showed the presence of 3 microorganisms in the patient. The susceptibility test showed that out of 30 antibiotics, two organisms were sensitive to only 1 antibiotic, and the remaining 29 antibiotics were not sensitive.
This example is the most accurate explanation why sometimes antibiotics are changed, but there is no effect from the treatment.

Microbiology of a new level – the ability to determine the most effective antibiotic in the shortest time.

Now in Ukraine the results of microbiological studies are used by doctors much less often than necessary, which is caused by the low quality of such analysis: the long time of such studies and the lack of high-quality modern materials and equipment necessary for their implementation. In some cases, the use of the results of microbiological research was not taken into account by doctors at all.

The situation can and must change. Institute for Microbiological Research is a unique laboratory that can provide comprehensive information for the treatment of patients in the shortest possible time.

As a result, the doctor has a quick and accurate tool for choosing an antibiotic(s) and calculating the dose for each individual patient, which, on the one hand, will be sufficient to destroy the harmful bacteria, and on the other hand, will not cause harm to health.

Rule 5. It is necessary to take the full course of the antibiotic prescribed by the doctor, strictly adhering to the time of administration, frequency and dosage.

The most important thing in taking an antibiotic is to maintain a certain concentration in the body for a certain time. Since there are dose-dependent and time-dependent antibiotics, it is very important to strictly adhere to the duration and dose of administration that was indicated by the doctor. Discontinuation or dose reduction may lead to reactivation of this bacterium and the creation of resistance to the antibiotic. Increasing the dose can lead to side effects from the toxic action of the antibiotic.

Try to take the antibiotic with water. Do not take the antibiotic with milk, dairy products, coffee, tea, juices.

Control of correct antibiotic therapy is verified by repeated microbiological testing.
After receiving the result of the antibiotic sensitivity test, if necessary, the treatment is corrected – the antibiotic(s) are changed to a more effective one.

Rule 6: Take probiotics

Taking probiotics will minimize the negative effects of antibiotics.
While taking antibiotics, the amount of beneficial microflora in the intestines is sharply reduced. In place of beneficial microorganisms, pathogenic bacteria begin to develop, which actively produce toxins, thereby weakening the protective barrier of the intestine, and therefore reduce immunity. As a result – diarrhea, dysbacteriosis, abdominal pain, allergies and so on.

Microbiological analysis for dysbacteriosis will provide an opportunity to obtain comprehensive information about the intestinal microflora and identify the consequences of antibiotic therapy.

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A fast, accurate and reliable tool for determining the diagnosis, as well as prescribing effective treatment for bacterial and fungal infections.